Safety - Before, During, and After

Follow lightning and severe thunderstorm safety and preparedness actions as well as the information provided below. The following information is from Roger Edwards (NWS SPC Norman, OK) http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/#Safety

There is no such thing as guaranteed safety inside a tornado. Freak accidents happen; and the most violent tornadoes can level and blow away almost any house and its occupants. Extremely violent F5 tornadoes are very rare, though. Most tornadoes are actually much weaker and can be survived using these safety ideas...

At home, have a family tornado plan in place, based on the kind of dwelling you live in and the safety tips below. Know where you can take shelter in a matter of seconds, and practice a family tornado drill at least once a year. Have a pre-determined place to meet after a disaster. Flying debris is the greatest danger in tornadoes; so store protective coverings (e.g., mattress, sleeping bags, thick blankets, etc) in or next to your shelter space, ready to use on a few seconds' notice.

When a tornado watch is issued, think about the drill and check to make sure all your safety supplies are handy. Turn on local TV, radio or NOAA Weather Radio and stay alert for warnings. Forget about the old notion of opening windows to equalize pressure; the tornado will blast open the windows for you! If you shop frequently at certain stores, learn where there are bathrooms, storage rooms or other interior shelter areas away from windows, and the shortest ways to get there. All administrators of schools, shopping centers, nursing homes, hospitals, sports arenas, stadiums, mobile home communities and offices should have a tornado safety plan in place, with easy-to-read signs posted to direct everyone to a safe, closeby shelter area. Schools and office building managers should regularly run well-coordinated drills. If you are planning to build a house, especially east of the Rockies, consider an underground tornado shelter or an interior "safe room".

Know the signs of a tornado: Weather forecasting science is not perfect and some tornadoes do occur without a tornado warning. There is no substitute for staying alert to the sky. Besides an obviously visible tornado, here are some things to look and listen for:

• Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base.
• Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base -- tornadoes sometimes have no funnel!
• Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen.
• Day or night - Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn't fade in a few seconds like thunder.
• Night - Small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm (as opposed to silvery lightning up in the clouds). These mean power lines are being snapped by very strong wind, maybe a tornado.
• Night - Persistent lowering from the cloud base, illuminated or silhouetted by lightning -- especially if it is on the ground or there is a blue-green-white power flash underneath.

In a house with a basement: Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators, waterbeds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor and crush you.

In a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment: Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down, and cover your head with your hands. A bath tub may offer a shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against falling debris in case the roof and ceiling failure.

In an office building, hospital, nursing home or skyscraper: Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building -- away from glass and on the lowest floor possible. Then, crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly. Stay off the elevators; you could be trapped in them if the power is lost.

In a mobile home: Get out! Even if your home is tied down, you are probably safer outside, even if the only alternative is to seek shelter out in the open. Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes, and it is best not to play the low odds that yours will make it. If your community has a tornado shelter, go there fast. If there is a sturdy permanent building within easy running distance, seek shelter there. Otherwise, lie flat on low ground away from your home, protecting your head. If possible, use open ground away from trees and cars, which can be blown onto you.

At school: Follow the drill! Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly way as you are told. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.

In the open outdoors: If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not, lie flat and face-down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can; they may be blown onto you in a tornado.

In a shopping mall or large store: Do not panic. Watch for others. Move as quickly as possible to an interior bathroom, storage room or other small enclosed area, away from windows.

In a church or theater: Do not panic. If possible, move quickly but orderly to an interior bathroom or hallway, away from windows. Crouch face-down and protect your head with your arms. If there is no time to do that, get under the seats or pews, protecting your head with your arms or hands.

Keep your family together and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Carefully render aid to those who are injured. Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them; they may still be carrying electricity! Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects. Stay out of any heavily damaged houses or buildings; they could collapse at any time. Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby. Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from emergency crews or local officials.

The probability of a Severe Weather Warning in an area is forecast based on :

• The Probability of Thunderstorms
• The Probability of a Thunderstorm becoming Severe once it has developed (Conditional Probability)

• Become familiar with what a Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Warning means.
• Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby major cities.
• Have a NOAA Weather Radio available and check the batteries.
• Have a plan on what to do when a watch or warning is issued for your area.
• Prepare a disaster supplies kit and practice your emergency plan.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Think about how to secure outdoor items and protect property from large hail or strong winds. Move cars into garage or under a carport.
• Consider installing a safe room. Severe thunderstorms can produce strong winds that are equivalent tornadoes wind speeds. Also, tornadoes can form suddenly from severe thunderstorms.
• Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.



 
• Safety - what to do during the storm


• Move indoors and stay away from windows.
• If caught outdoors, protect yourself from wind and hail in a low area. Stay away from lightning prone areas such as hills, water, and lone tall trees or power poles.
• If driving, stop and find shelter if possible. Driving during large hail will increase the damage to your car. Hydroplaning and strong winds will make it dangerous to drive.
• Look for signs of a developing thunderstorm such as darkening skies, flashes of lightning or increasing wind.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
• If caught in open water, get to land and find shelter immediately.
• Postpone activities to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.

The probability of thunderstorms in an area is forecast based on :

• Probability of precipitation
• Availability of instability

• Protect your home/office electronics with surge protectors or other lightning damage protection.
• Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby major cities.
• Have a NOAA Weather Radio available and check the batteries.
• Realize the possibility that outdoor activities may need to be postponed due to the threat of lightning.
• Look for signs of a developing thunderstorm such as darkening skies, flashes of lightning or increasing wind.
• Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.



 
• Safety - what to do during the storm


• If thunder roars, move indoors! If you can hear thunder – you are close enough to be struck by lightning! Stay indoors until 30 minutes have passed after you hear the last clap of thunder.
• Unplug electronic equipment.
• There is no safe place outdoors. If you are caught outdoors, you can try to lessen your threat of being struck. Stay away from lightning prone areas such as hills, water, golf courses, and lone tall trees or power poles. Do not take shelter in dugouts.
• Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Stay away from metal conductors such as wires or fences. Metal does not attract lightning, but lightning can travel long distances through it.
• If you hear thunder, don’t use a corded phone in any case. Cordless phones and cell phones are safe to use.
• Keep away from electrical equipment and wiring and also water pipes. Don’t take a bath or a shower or use other plumbing during a thunderstorm.
• Get out of swimming pools, lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water.
• If on open water or in a boat, get to land and find shelter immediately.
• If a person is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1 immediately and if the person is not breathing or is unresponsive, administer CPR . Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch.

• Check weather forecasts and consider postponing travel or outdoor activities.
• Bring in outside possessions that may get washed away during heavy rain.
• Teach childern about the dangers of playing in or around culverts and ditches during heavy rain.
• Before it starts to rain, replace old or brittle wipers.
• When you begin a journey in rain, your shoes will be wet and liable to slip off the pedals. Scuff the soles on the rubber matting or carpeting of the car before you start the engine.
• All motorists should regularly check that their headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals are working properly.
• Check your tires on a regular basis. Bald tires significantly reduce your traction on wet roadways, and offer little resistance to hydroplaning.



 
• Safety - what to do during heavy rain


• Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity.
• Do not play in or around culverts or drainage ditches as swiftly moving water that occurs during heavy rain can sweep you away.
• Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.
• If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
• Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
• Turn on your headlights.
• Be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
• Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
• Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Dips, low spots, small creeks, canyons, washes, etc., can become filled with water.
• If water is over the road, "Turn Around Don't Drown."
• Urban areas or areas with poor drainage are more susceptible to excessive runoff, which could lead to ponding of water or flooding.
• Don't follow large trucks or busses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
• Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers.

Atmospheric conditions that are typical for fog development :

• Moist ground or moist near ground conditions.
• Light winds

• Check your headlights. Add fog lights if needed.
• If the forecast calls for low visibility, consider postponing your trip until the fog lifts
• .
• Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them.
• Aviation interest should monitor forecasts for reduced visibilities at both take-off and landing sites.



 
• Safety - what to do during low visibility
• Allow extra travel time.
• Drive with lights on LOW beam. High beams will reflect off the fog, creating a "white wall" effect.
• Reduce your speed - and watch your speedometer. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding.
• Avoid crossing traffic lanes.
• Travel with the driver's window partially open. Listen for traffic.
• If your car is disabled or you can't continue, pull well onto the shoulder and turn off lights. Move away from your vehicle.
• Consider postponing your trip until the fog lifts.
• Stay to the right of the roadway.
• Do not drive into smoke.
• Boating in reduced visibilities presents two hazards: navigational errors and collisions. Reduce speed and sound fog signals at the time interval specified in the Navigation Rules.
• When boating, listen for other vessels, the sound of aids to navigation, breaking surf, and other helpful sounds. If your engines are noisy, periodically shift into idle, or even shut them down for a few minutes to listen for faint fog signals.
• Pilots should follow the appropriate flight rules for thier aircraft and training.

Atmospheric conditions that may lead to river flooding:

• Heavy rainfall in a short period of time may lead to faster rises and flooding along area rivers.
• Heavy rainfall over a longer period of time may lead to slower or prolonged rises and flooding along area rivers.
• Heavy rain upstream may lead to flooding along portions of a river where it did not rain.

• Become familiar with what a River Flood Watch or Warning means.
• Know the names of nearby rivers and creeks and know your watershed.
• Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby major cities.
• Have a NOAA Weather Radio available and check the batteries.
• Have a plan on what to do when a watch or warning is issued for your location.
• If you have property, including livestock, in a flood plain, have a plan to quickly move it if needed.
• Understand that if roads are flooded, "Turn Around Don't Drown."
• Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the flood strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
• Learn about your community's emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters.
• Prepare a disaster supplies kit and practice your emergency plan.
• Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.



 
• Safety - what to do during river flooding
• If driving and it appears that the road is flooded or if baracades are securing the road, "Turn Around Don't Drown."
• Don't wait to move to higher ground if flooding approaches.
• Move property to higher ground if needed. Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside or tie them down securely.
• Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary.
• Have your immunization records handy or be aware of your last tetanus shot, in case you should receive a puncture wound or a wound becomes contaminated during or after the flood.
• For a critical threat level, consider filling bathtubs, sinks and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using bleach. Rinse and fill with clean water.

Atmospheric conditions that may lead to flash flooding:

• Heavy rainfall in a short period of time.
• Heavy rainfall in urban areas or areas with poor drainage.
• Thunderstorms that redevelop over the same area, causing a prolonged period of rain.
• Additional rainfall on already saturated ground.

• Become familiar with what a Flash Flood Watch or Warning means.
• Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby major cities.
• Know nearby rivers and creeks and even what watershed you live in.
• Have a NOAA Weather Radio available and check the batteries.
• Have a plan on what to do when a watch or warning is issued for your county or if your city is included in the watch or warning.
• Understand that if roads are flooded, "Turn Around Don't Drown."
• Prepare a disaster supplies kit and practice your emergency plan.
• Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.
• If you live downstream from a dam, become familiar with sirens and community plans in the event of dam failure.



 
• Safety - what to do during a flash flood
• If driving and it appears that the road is flooded or if baracades are securing the road, "Turn Around Don't Drown." A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles, including pickups and SUVs.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown.
• If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Don't wait to move to higher ground if flooding approaches.
• Do not play in or around culverts, drainage ditches, or other low lying areas. They can quickly fill with fast moving water and sweep a person away.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
• Move property to higher ground if needed.
• In the event of dam failure, quickly move to higher ground. Follow your family or community action plan.

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a high winds.
• Think about how to secure outdoor items and protect property that may be damaged by high winds.
• Understand that boating in open waters in high wind is dangerous.
• Pilots should monitor wind forecasts for both take-off and landing sites. Strong winds can create dangerous flying conditions.
• Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.



 
• Safety - what to do during high winds
• Secure and protect outdoor items that may blow around in the high wind.
• If boating, move to protected areas or ashore.
• Do not drive high profile vehicles such as campers or RVs on days when the threat level is elevated or greater.
• If the threat level is significant or critical, stay away from windows.
• Be aware that tree limbs that may have been broken in an earlier thunderstorm or during an ice storm can still be caught up in the trees for an extended period of time. High wind conditions may cause these tree limbs to fall.

• Visit here to learn more about air quality and ozone alerts for the Tulsa metro area.
• Drive less. Try walking, biking, carpooling, or riding the bus. If you leave your car at home one day a week, you could prevent 55 pounds of pollution each year from being emitted into our air. And think of the money you'll save on gas, parking, and car upkeep.
• Avoid long idle times. Avoid idle times longer than 30 seconds by turning off your car when you're not in traffic.
• Bring your lunch to work. "Brown-bag-it" or walk to lunch.
• Trip chain. Combine errands into one trip to minimize "cold starts".
• Refuel in the evening and don't top off the tank.
• Do your garden chores gasoline-free. Avoid gas-powered yard tools until evening - or switch to electric-powered tools.
• Sign up to be an Ozone Alert! Coordinator



 
• Safety - what to do when ground-level ozone is high
• Leave your car at home. Try different ways of getting to work - like walking, biking, carpooling or riding the bus. Avoid unnecessary trips.
• Avoid idling. Walk-in rather than drive-thru.
• Postpone refueling. If you must, do it in the evening.
• Postpone mowing with gasoline-powered mowers.
• Postpone errands. Do them another day.
• Sign up for Email Alert Notifications of Ozone Alert! days.

Atmospheric conditions that may lead to winter weather hazards:

• Freezing rain - when rain falls and freezes on objects and surfaces that are at or below 32 degrees F. This can lead to black ice (on roads, bridges, overpasses, and sidewalks) and ice accumulations on exposed objects (like trees and powerlines).
• Snow - snow can create slick spots on roads, even if it is melting. Heavy or blowing snow can greatly reduce visibility. "Thundersnow" generally produces high snowfall rates. Blowing and drifting snow or snow that has become compacted can lead to road hazards.
• Sleet or Ice Pellets - frozen raindrops that can accumulate on the ground. Sleet will make roads, bridges, overpasses, and sidewalks slick and hazardous. Compacted sleet often behaves like ice.

• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel, bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days), non-perishable food, and a disaster supplies kit.
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
• Also interize your barn, shed, or any other structure that may provide shelter for your pets, livestock, or equipment.
• Cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
• Additional risks occur when using alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions. Be sure to follow the heat source directions carefully, have carbon monoxide detectors nearby, and keep fire extinguishers on hand.
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
• Have your car winterized. Check the antifreeze level. Ensure the battery, brakes, heater, and defroster work properly. Keep you gas tank at least half full. Put on winter tires and/or chains. Keep a winter weather survival kit in your trunk in case you become stranded.
• Follow the preparedness recommendations for cold temperatures and windchill.



 
• Safety - what to do during a winter storm
• Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
• If you lose power, conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects
• Follow the safety information for cold tempeartures and wind chill and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Bring pets indoors. If this is not possible, be sure they have proper shelter and an unfrozen water source.
• Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following: Travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads.
• If you become stranded in the car:
  - Turn on hazard lights and tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
  - Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.
  - Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
  - Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
  - Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
  - Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
  - Turn on the inside light at night when the engine is running so work crews or rescuers can see you.

• Mow or maintain grass and weeds, especially near roads.
• Be aware of your area's fire and burning codes and laws.
• Plant fire resistant vegetation.
• Have a plan in place in case wildfire threatens your home or workplace or you need to evacuate.
• Use fire-resistant or noncombustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of your dwelling.
• Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen over the grill – use nonflammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch.
• Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
• Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.



 
• Safety - what to do during high fire danger
• Follow State Burning Ban Laws.
• Monitor any outdoor burning.
• Avoid throwing cigarette butts onto the ground.
• When the threat level is elevated, intentional open-burning, including camp fires, should be done with care and with fire control equipment at the ready.
• When the threat level is significant or critical, open-burning, including camp fires, should be postponed. Fire officials should have staff and equipment ready for a very active grass fire day.
• Limit your exposure to smoke. Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
• Do not drive into smoke.

• The best way to avoid hypothermia and frostbite is to stay warm and dry indoors. Consider postponing outdoor activities.
• When you must go outside, dress appropriately. Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate you. Remove layers to avoid sweating and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded.
• Infants, small children, and the elderly are more susceptible to cold weather related emergencies like frostbite and hypothermia. Check on elderly neighbors.



 
• Preparedness - what to do before extreme cold occurs


• Follow the preparedness tips for windchill.
• Have an emergency supply kit ready in case you lose power.
• Have a supplimental heat source available. Be sure to follow the directions on using the heat source to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year.
• Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. To the extent possible, weatherproof your home by adding weather-stripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows, or thermal-pane windows.
• Prepare your car. Have the radiator system serviced and check the antifreeze level. Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture. Replace any worn tires, and check the air pressure in the tires. During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Keep an emerency kit in your car in case you become stranded.



 
• Safety - what to do when the wind chill or temperature is low
• Wear a hat because half of your body heat can be lost from your head.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
• Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
• Windchill affects animals too. Bring pets inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water.
• Avoid overexertion. Sweating from overexertion could lead to a chill and hypothermia. Cold weather also puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold. Otherwise, if you have to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly. Your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don’t overdo it.
• Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages—they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly. Instead, drink warm, sweet beverages or broth to help maintain your body temperature. If you have any dietary restrictions, ask your doctor.
• Avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on your skin while de-icing and fueling your car or using a snow blower. These materials in contact with the skin greatly increase heat loss from the body.
• Do not ignore shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.

• Bring plenty of water.
• Wear light weight, light fitting, light colored clothes.
• Consider postponing outdoor activities until a cooler time of day.



 
• Safety - what to do when the heat index is high
• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
• Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
• Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.
• Do not leave children or pets in the car. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes. Anyone left inside is at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death.
• Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.
• Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

• Wear a hat and light weight, light fitting, light colored clothes.
• Plan to take frequent breaks in shady areas.



 
• Safety - What to do while doing outdoor activities when the WBGT is high -
• Take breaks in the shade. Strenuous outdoor activities should be reduced, especially in direct sunlight where there is little ventilation.
• Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult

More WBGT Information
WBGT Research Paper
OSHA work load and WBGT Manual

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